Questions and answers

A miswak is a natural tooth-cleaning stick cut from the Salvadora persica shrub. You peel back the bark at one end and chew it gently until the fibres open into soft bristles, then brush with those bristles. People across the Middle East, South Asia and Africa have used it for centuries.

They are names for the same thing. Siwak is the Arabic word, sewak and miswak are common spellings, arak is the Arabic name for the shrub, and peelu (or pilu) is what it is called in Pakistan and India. Ours is Salvadora persica, sold in Karachi as peelu.

Open the pack and peel or cut away about 1 cm of bark from one end. Chew that end gently until the fibres separate into a soft brush. Brush along your teeth, front and back, then rinse the stick in clean water. The full guide is on our How to use page.

One stick lasts about a week of daily use. Trim off the used bristles every day or two and chew a fresh end. Replace the stick when it gets too short to hold comfortably.

Keep unopened sticks sealed in a cool, dry place. Once a stick is open, rinse it after use and let it air dry in a cup or holder. Don't close a wet stick into an airtight box.

The 4-pack is for trying miswak or a small gift. The 10-pack suits one person for a couple of months. The 15-pack ships free, so it costs less than the 10-pack with shipping, and it is the best price per stick.

Shipping is $6.99 flat anywhere in Canada for the 4-pack and 10-pack. The 15-pack ships free. In Waterloo Region (Waterloo, Kitchener, Cambridge), local delivery or pickup is free for every pack.

Orders ship within 1 to 2 business days. Most parcels then take 2 to 6 business days to arrive, and we send you the tracking number when yours leaves.

Unopened packs can be returned within 30 days. Opened sticks can't be returned, because they're used in the mouth. If your order arrives damaged or wrong, send us a photo and we'll replace it or refund you.

Many Muslims keep using miswak during Ramadan, including while fasting. Scholars differ on some details, such as using it after midday, so ask your local imam or scholar if you are unsure.

Yes. We supply independent stores and take bulk orders for mosques and events, especially before Ramadan. See the Wholesale page to request samples.

You can also find our miswak at Super Deal Food Mart in Milton.